Texas Tech has an all-time record of 8-4-1 in season openers when a head coach makes his debut. ... This is the first time since a Labor Day game at SMU on Sept. 3, 2007, that Tech will open its season on the road. ... The Red Raiders hold a 32-16 advantage against the Mustangs and have won 14 straight games in the series since 1989. ... The last time Tech played a regular-season game on a Friday night was on Sept. 27, 2002, when then senior quarterback Kliff Kingsbury threw for 407 yards and six touchdowns in a 49-0 shutout of the New Mexico Lobos. ... This is the first time Texas Tech is starting a true freshman at quarterback in the season opener. The last true freshman to start at quarterback for the Red Raiders was Aaron Keesee in 1984. ... Junior tight end Jace Amaro is suspended for the first half after his ejection in the third quarter of the Meineke Car Care Bowl in December.

FORECAST

Mostly sunny. Temperature 102 degrees but dropping down to 78 in the evening. South wind at 8 mph. No precipitation expected.

TICKETS

Sold out. Ford Stadium seats 32,000.

NEXT FOR TECH

The Red Raiders play their home opener on Sept. 7 against Stephen F. Austin. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m., and the game will be televised on Fox Sports.

Compiled by Krista Pirtle

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